Arbtech expands into flood risk and drainage

Antony Riozzi has joined the Chester-based ecology consultancy to lead its new water division, part of the company’s strategy to hit £100m in turnover by 2029.

Riozzi previously worked at Miller Homes as a senior engineer. His CV also includes flood risk engineer roles at M-EC Consulting Development Engineers and Leicestershire County Council.

As director of water at Arbtech, Riozzi will work with clients to identify flood risk areas, improve flood resilience, manage surface water flooding, and assist with drainage strategies.

“We are always seeking innovative solutions for our customers and the introduction of a new water division is a natural progression for the business,” said Arbtech founder Robert Oates.

“Antony is highly respected and experienced in his field and his work in the housebuilding sector will bring an important skillset to our growing business,” Oates continued.

For his part, Riozzi said it was “an incredibly exciting time to be joining Arbtech”.

“There is such high demand for water services from development due to naturally unconstrained land becoming increasingly difficult to find and the impacts of climate change on flooding,” Riozzi said.

“It is also a key element of planning policy for all developments to consider. I’m working closely with developers, landowners, infrastructure providers and public bodies to support their development ambitions.”

In addition to its new services around flood risk, Arbtech advises clients on ecology and biodiversity. The 20-year-old company has a team of 170 located around the country and an office in London, as well as Chester.

Since its founding, the group has worked on more than 50,000 planning applications. Recent projects include Anglesey Land Holdings’ £1bn Prosperity Parc, Muller Group’s 80-bed care home near Nantwich, and World Mission Agency’s 1,500-capacity church in Manchester.

Arbtech reported a turnover of £10.8m the financial year ending September 2024, the most recent filing available. That £10.8m figure marked a £2.5m increase from the year before.

Arbtech has no plans to slow down, having also welcomed Ed Day as chief technology officer earlier this year to lead its efforts in utilising artificial intelligence. The company, which is part of Celnor Group, will be doing a mass recruitment drive in October as it looks to grow its staff with experts ranging from consultants to directors.